The CIA had amazing mapping technology way before Google

Before we used Google Earth and Google Maps to find our
way, the CIA used similar tools for spy
missions in Iraq.

The earliest version of the CIA's satellite imagery software,
called EarthViewer, was actually invented at the turn of the
millennium. Starting in the early 2000s, the CIA used it to
pinpoint movement in Iraqi warehouses or camps, since
it showed topography changes over time.

The CIA then worked closely with other intelligence organizations
to improve EarthViewer and make the 3D images more
realistic.

Using the software's satellite images, the US military could
identify targets, plan routes, and study
the movement of Iraqi troops over time in the 2000s.

EarthViewer images that
show changes in an Iraqi manufacturing facility over
time.NSA Archive/Public
Domain

News organizations also licensed EarthViewer's beta version
for Iraq War coverage. CNN and Fox News
displayed aerial images in the corner of the screen,
flying over Baghdad and simulating dramatic swoops down to street
level.

Google Earth
today.Google
Earth

EarthViewer soon caught the attention of Google, which bought and
renamed it in 2004. After more investment, the software
eventually became Google Earth. Features from Google Earth were
later integrated into Google Maps, like Street View.

Without the CIA's financial help, it wouldn't be
the software we know today, Hiley says.